What is the difference between "probation" and "parole"?

Probation serves as a significant alternative to incarceration, allowing individuals to remain in the community while still being subject to certain conditions set by the court. This arrangement is typically granted instead of serving time in jail or prison, enabling offenders to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society under supervision.

On the other hand, parole is a form of supervised release that occurs after an individual has served a portion of their prison sentence. It allows those inmates to return to the community before completing their sentence but still under monitoring and specific conditions, often aimed at easing their transition back into society.

This distinction highlights the fundamental differences in their purposes and the timing of their application within the criminal justice process. Probation is an alternative to incarceration issued by the court at sentencing, while parole is granted by a parole board after a period of incarceration, reflecting both a second chance for rehabilitation and a structured support system for reintegrating into the community.